New Victoria fire department makes changes to coin card fundraiser

NEW VICTORIA — For the first time ever, the New Victoria Volunteer Fire Department has made significant changes to its annual coin card fundraiser

Chief Blair McIsaac said the department had the cards redesigned, a measure which will save a significant amount of money.

"Just to order the cards it would cost about $700," he said. "The new cards are only one-third of the cost."

The fundraiser always included the cards distributed to the community with slots for coins resulting in a 50-cent donation a day, $15 by the end of the campaign.

McIsaac said the department's deputy chief Andrew Petrie redesigned the cards and there are not any coin slots in the new ones.

The cards were mailed out to the homes in the community this week through Canada Post.

"It’s just a card with a picture of our newest truck on the front," he said.

"On the inside it explains about the coin card campaign, how it works and what it does. “

McIsaac said the idea came from the fact people don’t use the coin slots and the cost of the cards.

“People usually give cash or a cheque.” he said.

McIsaac said in the card it explains everyone’s finances are different and whatever anyone can contribute will be appreciated.

The cards also outline the services the department offers which includes fire protection in the community and medical first responders with EHS. There are also contact phone numbers for anyone wanting their coin card picked up before the firefighters go back to retrieve them.

He said about $4,500 was raised from the campaign last year.

"There was $700 lost right away last year, as we had to pay for the cards. It will be better this year with the cost of the cards lower."

Money raised from the campaign this year will go toward the department's new pumper, purchased about two years ago. McIsaac said about $42,000 is still owed.

The cards will be picked up beginning Oct. 6, fire prevention week in Nova Scotia.

There are about 550 homes in the department’s coverage area, which includes New Victoria and Victoria Mines.